Sceptical Letter Writer

Dr Burzynski's crooked antineoplastons

2011-11-28T14:35:00.036Z

This article - I've tried to keep it as short as possible, under the circumstances - is about a reprehensible little crook called Stanislaw Burzynski.

(Although the guy looks uncomfortably like a 1970s German pornstar, let's not judge on appearances.)

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If you're not familiar with the man, you're almost certainly familiar with his work. "Dr" Burzynski is in the business of selling miracle cancer cures from his "clinic" in Texas.

Medical charlatans aren't exactly an endangered species, of course, but "Dr" Burzynski's activities set new standards of excellence in quackery. I'll let the Daily Fail take the story from here...

"When [7-year-old] Maya [Perrin-Skippen] was diagnosed with the rare brain tumour in September 2006 she was given a 50 per cent chance of surviving, but after a course of intensive chemotherapy and a seven hour biopsy the tumour disappeared...

A year later doctors discovered the cancer had returned...

Her parents raised £77,000 to fly the family to a specialist centre in Houston - the only place which will treat the schoolgirl...

Maya's father said British doctors have told him they cannot operate... But after trawling the internet the family found a doctor in America willing to treat her...

'Two years ago, I found the Burzynski Clinic after many hours of online searching', he said.

'I couldn't believe what I was reading. Dr. Burzynski has cured many recurrent brain tumours with his pioneering Antineoplaston Therapy... The treatment costs £50,000 per year... I am certain it will cure my little angel of the cancer that has taken her over..."

At this point it's worth asking if you can recall reading lots of similar stories about desperate families trying to raise money to send a cancer victim to a "specialist clinic in America".

These kinds of articles appear with tedious regularity in the British newspapers, and only the most alert of readers will spot that the clinic in question is almost invariably the Burzynski Clinic.

Is the clinic any good? Can "Dr" Burzynski really treat cancer?

It's surprisingly difficult to find out. I've summarised the sum total of "Dr" Burzynski's published research on the effectiveness of antineoplaston therapy for curing cancer - gathered over a 35-year research career - in the box below.

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Fortunately, "Dr" Burzynski is not the only man doing "research" in this field. Saul Green - a real doctor who didn't charge £70,000 a pop - reviewed the available evidence and reached a surprising conclusion:

"Burzynski has never demonstrated that A-2.1 (PA) or 'soluble A-10' (PA and PAG) are effective against cancer or that tumor cells from patients treated with these antineoplastons have been 'normalized.'

Tests of antineoplastons at the National Cancer Institute have never been positive.

The drug company Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals could not duplicate Burzynski's claims for AS-2.1 and A-10.

The Japanese National Cancer Institute has reported that antineoplastons did not work in their studies.

No Burzynski coauthors have endorsed his use of antineoplastons in cancer patients.

These facts indicate to me that Burzynski's claims that his 'antineoplastons' are effective against cancer are not credible."

In other words, we can be sure that these cancer claims attributed to "Dr" Burzynski's "clinic" are 100% industrial-grade bullshit.

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Of course, if you go looking on "Dr" Burzynski's website you'll struggle to find a mention of the word "cure". The therapy is (it says here) only available as a "clinical trial".

If you're familiar with the term "clinical trial", you're probably thinking of research conducted on a randomised pool of volunteers, under controlled conditions, and whose results are published in reputable medical journals. Healthy volunteers are usually paid for their time (and are covered by insurance if something goes wrong).

"Dr" Burzynski, on the other hand, seems to have a new and bolder understanding of the term. If you're selected as a "volunteer" in one of his "clinical trials" - for a therapy we already know does not work - the fees are so stupendously large you'll probably have to sell your house and hand over your entire life savings, yet the results might not be published for at least 35 years.

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In recent weeks "Dr" Burzynski's philanthropic deeds have been attracting much attention, and little of it positive.

It now seems evident that "Dr" Burzynski has heard about Britain's repressive libel laws and, envious of the all fun and games in the London law courts, is keen to get a piece of the action for himself.

"Dr" Burzynski's "lawyer" - more about that later - is a chap who describes himself as Marc Stephens.

The thing is, folks, I'm also feeling a bit jealous. Almost everyone has been getting some nice legal threats, except me, so here's what I'm going to do.

First I'm going to make a statement about "Dr" Burzynski (in red). Immediately below "Dr Burzynski's "lawyer" will find my current contact details as well as a photo of my home.

Finally, I'll post a copy of some of the legal threats "Dr" Burzynski's "lawyer" has been sending to all and sundry. I realise that a "lawyer"'s time is precious, so perhaps "Marc" will omit the tedious semi-literate correspondence and get down to the actual writ-issuing!

"Dr" Stanislaw Burzynski of the Burzynski Clinic (Houston, Texas) is a crook, a conman, a charlatan, a fraud and a quack. This reprehensible little man ruthlessly exploits the desperate relatives of the incurably ill with a series of phoney 'clinical trials' whose sole outcome is not to expand the knowledge of mankind, but to separate the poor families from their life savings. "Dr" Burzynski has been making claims for an antineoplaston therapy for the last 35 years yet apparently has not deigned to publish the results of any of his phoney 'clinical trials' in any prestigious peer-reviewed medical journal. None of the misleading cancer-treatment claims made by the clinic (on their website and on other social media, such as YouTube) for "Dr" Burzynski's antineoplaston therapy are supported my the tiniest jot of published rigorous clinical evidence, yet he happily promotes these bogus treatments. I have not seen any evidence that the PhD "Dr" Burzynski claims to hold exists anywhere but in his own imagination (though I do not doubt that "Dr" Burzynski holds a legitimate medical qualification). I have not seen any evidence that "Marc Stephens" is a qualified and registered lawyer, nor indeed that he is even a non-fictitious person. If "Dr" Burzynski or his "lawyer" draw my attention to any factual errors on this page, I should be delighted to correct them upon receipt of substantiating evidence.

Here are my contact details - do get those defamation writs in the post before the Christmas rush! (Don't be put off by by my winter address. This is still a UK-based blog.)

Ron Lewis

Pikk 84-44
Tartu 50604
Estonia
cassus53bc (usual symbol) googlemail (usual symbol) com

And here are copies of the threatening letters send to another critic, Rhys Morgan, which might be still available on his site by the time you read this.

"Hello Rhys Morgan,

I represent Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, Burzynski Clinic, and Burzynski Research Institute.

It has been brought to our attention that you have content on your website and on your Twitter account that is in violation of several state and federal laws.

This is a legal complaint regarding the your multiple twitter account posts, and article you posted online titled “The Burzynski Clinic dated August 28, 2011, by Rhys Morgan”. This correspondence constitutes a demand that you immediately cease and desist in your actions defaming and libeling my clients. Please allow this correspondence to serve as notice to you that you published libelous and defamatory information.

Please be advised that my clients consider the content of your postings to be legally actionable under numerous legal causes of action, including but not limited to: libel, defamation, and tortious interference with business contracts and business relationships.

The information you assert in your postings is factually incorrect and posted with either actual knowledge, or reckless disregard for its falsity, and with the actual and specific malice to injure my client’s business relationships in the community.

I am not sure if you are familiar with Defamation (Libel). If not, I will assist you.

What is Defamation (Libel)

Libel is a published or fixed form of defamation of character; a civil wrong that falsely impugns the reputation or character of a person or entity, opening the target up to public scorn or ridicule. Libel might appear in a magazine, book, newspaper, or in a radio or television broadcast. Signs, billboards or posters can also be mediums for libel. Online libel, or cyber libel takes electronic forms such as email, mailing lists, newsgroups, chat rooms, podcasts, vodcasts and Web pages. Although many citizens do not yet realize it, comments made to chat boards, newsgroups and even mailing lists are all forms of publication. Criticisms of companies or their goods can be a basis for libel charges if the poster misrepresents facts, or fails to qualify his or her post as opinion.

Every comment you made in your article is highly incorrect. I suggest you remove ALL references about my client on the internet in its entirety, and any other defamatory statement about my client immediately, or I will file suit against you.

I am not sure where you obtained your incorrect information, but you will be held liable for your statements. REMOVE ARTICLE IMMEDIATELY.

GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.

Marc Stephens
Burzynski Clinic
9432 Katy Freeway
Houston, Texas 77055"

"Marc" is "not sure if you are familiar with Defamation" but is willing to "assist you"...?

Lol, nice trolling "Marc"! Second letter:

"Hello Rhys,

Please forward the notice to your parents if you are actually in High School. This is a very serious matter. Although you have a right to freedom of speech, it is against the law to post slanderous or libelous statements. Because your statements have been read by third parties you are now also interfering with my clients business, and you are emotionally effecting Dr. Burzynski’s as well as his cancer patients around the world. Please remove all references about my client, as well as all libelous statements immediately. I have already copied your website and twitter account as proof of the statements.

Once you remove your libelous statements, you will agree, that you immediately cease and desist from making any further unsupported, defamatory, libelous or harmful statements relating to my clients through any medium, including the Internet.

You are to remove existing statements, and are not to post, host, or make available any libelous, false or defamatory statements against my clients via the Internet, television, radio, print or any other forms of media. You shall not create any new alias, nor use any old alias, to post, host, or make available any statement regarding my client via the Internet, television, radio, print or any other forms of media. You will provide a public apology to Dr. Burzynski and his patients and post it on your websites, and social media sites.

Once removed, I can provide you with the correct information from the National Cancer Institute and several doctors who testified to the effectiveness of Antineoplastons. In addition, my client is FDA approved for Phase 3 clinical trials. You are reading lies and misunderstandings on the internet, which you are still liable for re-posting this information. I appreciate you contacting me to resolve this matter.

Regards,

Marc Stephens"

So, it's "against the law to post slanderous or libelous statements," eh? Possibly in Zimbabwe, "Marc", but over here in Europe it's not "against the law" at all! I wonder, do you have any legal qualifications?

Third letter:

"Hello Rhys,

I greatly appreciate you removing the articles and comments.

You are responsible for whatever you post online. You need to spend time understanding defamation laws if you want to start a career as a blogger. You can be sued for “Not Knowing”, its called Negligence. You can not interfere with business relationships and contracts. If you do not understand what you are doing I suggest you stop posting articles. Your “Opinion” can also get you sued. Look up the recent Google case in the UK. Google was sued and lost because their algorithm created “SCAM”, “FRAUD”, etc next to a business owner’s name. We also filed a complaint with Google and they had to remove the wording. If you think you are bigger than Google than enjoy life in the court room. There are many stories online that you can find that tell you the truth about Dr. Burzynski. If you are interested in learning I can guide you to the truth. I’ve watch some of your videos and you are a really smart guy. Use that intelligence in a positive way. Be careful online and good luck.

Thanks,

MARC"

It's certainly true you can find links to "many stories online that... tell you the truth about Dr. Burzynski" all over the web. My favourite is this report of "Dr" Burzynski's 1994 appearance in court. Accused of fraud, he lost the case and lost again on appeal.

Final letter:

"Rhys,

This is my THIRD AND FINAL WARNING to you.

Please convey this message to your entire Skeptic Network, which includes but not limited to, Ratbags.com, thetwentyfirstfloor, quackwatch, etc. I represent Dr. Burzynski, the Burzynski Clinic, and the Burzynski Research Institute. I've attached Azad Rastegar, and Renee Trimble from the Burzynski Clinic for your confirmation.

In the following weeks I will be giving authorization to local attorneys in multiple countries to pursue every defamation libel case online, including your online libelous statements. I suggest you shut down your entire online defamation campaign about Dr. Burzynski, and remove ALL recent or previous comments off the internet IMMEDIATELY. The minute you post any libelous comments online about my client I will pursue you and your parents/guardians To the Full Extent of the Law. I have no obligation to train you, or teach you, the meaning of defamation. Google it, or go to the library and research it.

This is a very serious matter. Please confirm your mailing address, which I have on record as (my address). If you do not cooperate an official legal complaint requesting punitive damages will be mailed to that address. I will be contacting your school as well to inform them of your illegal acts.

Again, this is my FINAL WARNING TO YOU.

Regards,

Marc Stephens"

The final letter concluded with a photo of the critic's house in Wales.

It is worth noting, in conclusion, that the victim of this sinister "we know where you live" threat is a teenager. It's apparently not the first time that "Marc Stephens" has threatened a child.

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Charlie Hebdo - Good Riddance!

2011-11-02T11:27:00.006Z

Our editor-in-chief this week is none other than the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him).

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Recent comments in the media have suggested that I am some way connected to the appalling attack on the offices of a French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, early this morning.

In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

My critics are arguing from a position of ignorance, clearly having failed to read my latest novel (available from all good bookstores).

Allow me to draw attention to the prescient bits:

"When you clash with the unbelieving Infidels in battle (fighting Jihad in Allah's Cause), smite their necks until you overpower them, killing and wounding many of them. At length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind them firmly, making (them) captives. Thereafter either generosity or ransom (them based upon what benefits Islam) until the war lays down its burdens. Thus are you commanded by Allah to continue carrying out Jihad against the unbelieving infidels until they submit to Islam." (Koran:47:4)

There it is, in black and white: I urge my readers, quite clearly, to smite the infidels. I didn't say anything about throwing a bottle through the window of an empty building, in the dead of night, before running away!

"Behold! You ran off precipitately, climbing up the high hill without even casting a side glance at anyone, while the Messenger in your rear is calling you from your rear, urging you to fight. Allah gave you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for the booty that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had befallen you." (Koran:3:153)

The cynics often sneer that I'm guilty of bribing my followers to commit acts in my name:

"Let those who fight in Allah's Cause sell this world's life for the hereafter. To him who fights in Allah's Cause, whether he is slain or victorious, We shall give him a reward." (Koran:4:74)

I know what you're thinking, teams. What kind of reward will "we" give him?

"Fruits, Delights; they will be honored in the Gardens of Pleasure, on thrones facing one another. Round them will be passed a cup of pure white wine, delicious to the drinkers, free from ghoul (hurt), nor shall you be made mad or exhausted thereby. And with them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf (virgin females), restraining their glances (desiring none but you), with big, beautiful eyes. As if they were (sheltered) eggs, preserved." (Koran:37:40)

"And beside this, there are two other Gardens, rich green in color from plentiful watering. In them will be two springs, gushing forth, and fruits. And beautiful companions, virgins cloistered in pavilions, undefiled by men and jinn, reclining on green cushions and rich mattresses. Which of the favors of you Lord will you both deny?" (Koran:55:62)

"Unending, and unforbidden, exalted beds, and maidens incomparable. We have formed them in a distinctive fashion and made them virgins, loving companions matched in age, for the sake of those of the right hand." (Koran:56:33)

Can I make it any clearer than that?

I am ashamed to be associated with this cowardly attack, which has caused me and my family a great deal of embarrassment.

If the arsonists had at least managed to smite an indifel or two, I might have been impressed, perhaps impressed enough to arrange for seventy-two raisins (...cont p94)

John Benneth's Life-Or-Death Challenge

2011-09-25T08:18:00.005+01:00

The fellow pictured below will be familiar to anyone who's ever been brave enough to search YouTube for videos on homeopathy.

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John Benneth (for it is he) has recently written on his blog:

"Most interesting in all of this is a challenge issued by Roger Barr, an Australian homeopath, who has suggested that to end the argument, skeptics put homeopathy to the test... on themselves..."

John continues,

"Now, MY suggestion for a remedy to challenge sketpics [sic] to try is one I just put to the test. It’s called fluoricum acidum (fl. ac.) i.e. homeopathic fluoride. It just so happens that I decided to put it to the test, on myself..."

The most impressive result of this non-scientific experiment was that John "caved in to" a bottle of whisky. This is hardly a failing unique among humanity but, happily, John has a more interesting test in mind.

"Chlorine’s a whole [other] subject. When it comes into contact with organic matter... it forms [sic] chloroform, which in homeopathic form is noted for inducing in the prover the desire to kill..."

What would happen, John wonders, if the sceptics were to divide themselves into two groups, and if one of the groups were to take homeopathic chlorine?

"...bring the two groups together in a room, LOCK THE DOOR and RUN!"

There's nothing I can add to that - except: challenge accepted!

"Hello John and Roger,

I would like to accept your challenge.

1. I will bet you £10,000 that a homeopathic proving cannot produce in me the symptoms you claim will appear.

2. Therefore, over the course of seven days, I will take one 30C dose of homeopathic chlorine, once a day, at a time you specify.

3. I live near London. You may appoint any person (or persons) to supervise me as I take each dose (or you may supervise me yourself, if you prefer). If you appoint any such persons, it is your responsibility to make the arrangements for them to visit me, at the specified time of day.

4. After each dose, I will sit in a room with a volunteer for one hour. If, on any of these occassions, I attempt to murder the volunteer in cold blood, you win the bet, and I will pay you £10,000. Furthermore, if I succeed in killing the volunteer, I will pay an additional £10,000 towards the unfortunate victim's funeral expenses. Once I have paid up, you are free to notify the police of my heinous crime, so that they can make arrangements for my immediate arrest, trial and imprisonment.

5. However, if I am able to resist my homicidal impulses, you lose the bet, and you must pay me £10,000.

Do we have a deal?"

Narconon's Substantiation Rundown (part 2)

2011-09-21T07:15:00.016+01:00

The Church of Scientology, masquerading under the pseudonym of Narconon UK - a dangerous and ineffective drug rehab programme - have made another appearance in the ASA's weekly list of very naughty boys.

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My original complaint can be read here. It's worth listing which misleading health claims the cult have been asked to amend or remove:

“Completion of this programme results in greatly reduced, or eliminated, cravings for drugs. Mental alertness and clarity of thinking improve; while drug induced depression often vanishes”

“Most people say it is the easiest withdrawal they have experienced”

"[The claim that] the goal of a new life for former addicts or alcoholics is routinely achieved"

“Our experience has shown that a person receiving a vitamin and mineral therapy will experience a far more comfortable withdrawal from all drugs including opiates

"Cal-Mag [can] restore any vitamin deficiency and relax cramping muscles [and] also helps a person relax during the withdrawal”

“Effective Solutions To Drug Addiction & Alcoholism"

“[The methods have been] tried and tested over 40 years”

“The effectiveness of the Narconon programme is documented by several formal studies and evaluations”

The graph labelled “Cocaine Washout Curve, Client 1”

The text that states “... The graph indicates cocaine residues being excreted in the sweat and urine of clients participating in the Narconon New Life Detoxification Programme who have previously to doing the Narconon Programme had a cocaine addiction”

All claims referring to vitamin treatments

This probably isn't the first time Narconon have been asked politely to stop telling porkies. The ASA website lists two previous resolved complaints - both in 2009. In 2003, Narconon lost an ASA adjudication over their claim to have "salvaged" 250,000 people from drugs:

"In upholding the complaint, the ASA said they were 'concerned that the advertisers had not proved that all those enrolled on the [Narconon] programmes were dependent on drugs at the time of the enrolment or that as many as 250,000 drug users had stopped using those drugs as a direct result of Scientology's intervention'..." (2003 Birmingham Post article)

It's worth noting also that false health claims like "The sauna programme produces spectacular results by removing drug residues and toxins" have been illegal in the UK since 2008.

Scientologists have their own version of the Ten Commandments, the so-called 21 Precepts. Here's a short list of the Precepts these particular Scilons have broken:

6. Set a good example
7. Seek To Live With The Truth
8. Don't Do Anything Illegal
11. Do Not Harm A Person Of Good Will
14. Be Worthy Of Trust
15. Fulfill Your Obligations
17. Be Competent

I've heard that the punishments for recalcitrants in the Scientology movement include incarceration, torture and forced labour. Does anyone have a phone number of the RPF?

Emma Brumpton is not a Scientologist

2011-07-06T09:23:00.017+01:00

Pictured below are four people who are definitely not Scientologists.

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In the top-left corner is the amateur saxophonist Bill Clinton, who may be familiar to you for having fornicated with his intern. To his right is Cardinal Ratzinger, who is apparently a Catholic.

Below them is a large, furry mammal who, according to some reports, defecates in the woods.

The fourth member of the quartet is up-and-coming journalist Emma Brumpton. Emma is not a Scientologist. In fact, she works for Associated Press.

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Sarcasm aside, which of them is the odd one out?

Notable absentees at a spectacular fund-raising event for Scientology back in 2009 included Cardinal Ratzinger, ex-President Clinton and the above-mentioned incontinent ursine.

One person who did manage to make it, however, was non-Scientologist Emma Brumpton.

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Anxious to emphasise her, umm, dis-connections (geddit?!?) with the insiduous cult, Emma has apparently written

"I have attended 1 event in the past [the Scientology fund-raiser mentioned above] which [sic] I was invited to speak about my charity in London helping young adults affected by gun and knife crime in London produce films..."

Tickets for the event, by the way, would have set you back an eye-watering £595. No doubt Emma, as a non-Scientologist, was offered a generous discount!

Theta Healing Awareness Week (part 4)

2011-06-23T18:12:00.003+01:00

.
Accomplished crook Vianna Stibal, her belligerent husband Cody and our very own Jenny Johnstone - recently mentioned in this blog - made their debut on the BBC´s Newsnight programme this week.

For anyone who missed it, here's the video.

Theta Healing Awareness Week (Part 3)

2011-06-11T16:34:00.011+01:00

On the subject of Theta Healing, a recent visitor to the blog has written to say

"Thank you very much for the additional exposure! The more people hear about Theta Healing, the more that are likely to benefit from it. There is, as you know, no such thing as bad publicity..."

Well, I'm a big fan of Vianna Stibal's magical finger therapy, so I'm happy to help.

I've decided that this week is going to be the First Annual "Theta Healing Awareness Week".

To help publicise the event, here is some extra "additional exposure" in the shape of dozens of new ASA/Trading Standards complaints. Feel free to join in the fun!

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TRACY HOLLOWAY

"The website makes a health claim for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetadnahealing.co.uk/thetahealing/who-we-are.php

"After her own life changing 3 days [into] her first Theta Basic training [course], Tracy was completely healed of the asthma she'd been suffering from since she was a child."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can cure asthma, whether the claim is misleading, whether it is irresponsible, and whether it might discourage essential treatment.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=MudRHZ0wZ3

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

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LYN RICHARDSON

The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/origin.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Medical Intuitive discovered that the way she did Readings could also do an instant healing. At that time Vianna was ... just diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine failed and she was eventually told that she had lymphatic cancer with only a couple of months to live... Suddenly she discovered that using the same technique she used to do the readings could also heal the physical body. When she tried it on herself, her right leg that had shrunk by 3" regained it's [sic] former size and the pain disappeared. The healing was subsequently confirmed by medical doctors and to this day the leg continues to be perfectly healthy."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can cure cancer, heal the physical body, make legs grow by three inches and eliminate pain.

I'd also like to challenge whether the claim that Stibal's cure "was subsequently confirmed by medical doctors" can be substantiated, because I understand from researching previous complaints that there is considerable doubt about the veracity of this claim.

2. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/origin.html

"Curious to understand why the technique was working, Vianna solicited the help of a physicist and with an electroencephalograph discovered that the simple technique tapped into Theta waves. Over many years it was discovered that the technique utilized a Theta and Gamma wave to achieve instant healing..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing has been validated by science are misleading.

3. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/abouttheta.html

"By going into a theta brainwave state, the practitioner is able to command and witness the healing taking place."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healers can "command and witness the healing taking place" can be substantiated.

4. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/abouttheta.html

"By learning to change your brain wave cycle into the theta state you can actually watch the Creator accomplish instantaneous physical and emotional healing. Until now, theta brain waves were believed to be accessible only in deep sleep or yogi-level meditation."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healers can "watch the Creator accomplish instantaneous physical... healing" can be substantiated.

I'd also like to challenge whether, when it was "discovered", Theta Healing was the only method (besides deep sleep and meditation) to achieve "theta brain waves" since, off the top of my head, I can think of half a dozen alternative methods.

5. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/basic.html

"As well as learning to identify your own beliefs you will practice pulling them for others in the class. This practice can quickly reveal systems of belief that may take traditional psychotherapy years to uncover and goes even further by showing the body how to replace limiting beliefs or feelings with positive ones. Issues of safety are emphasised, especially when making genetic changes in the body."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing is vastly superior to psychotherapy, and that Theta Healing can make "genetic changes to the body", can be substantiated.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=k2zFALBRmX
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=BlJbWN4REU
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=ThzgGmXqvW

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

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EDWARD STOPLER

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal, a Naturopath and Intuitive discovered that she could do instant healings. This all came about when Vianna... was diagnosed with Cancer that was destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she used in intuitive readings could heal. Her leg was healed instantly."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer.

2. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Curious to understand why the technique was working so well, Vianna found the help of a Physicist and they used an Electrocephalogram (E.E.G) to discover that the simple technique tapped into Theta waves."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta healing works "so well" and that Theta Healing has been validated by science are misleading.

3. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Vianna went on to treat many thousands of clients successfully..."

I challenge whether the claim that Stibal has treated "many thousands of clients successfully" can be substantiated.

4. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Theta healing works by accessing the natural Theta Brain Waves that links us to the subconscious part of our minds... This gives us the ability to find the root causes of our issues or illnesses, as without finding these, our issues reappear again and again."

I challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing can "give us the ability to find the root causes of our...illnesses" and that without Theta Healing, "our issues reappear again and again" are misleading.

5. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"The reason Theta Healing is so effective is..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is "so effective" is misleading.

6. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Theta healing is different because although issues are highlighted by the practitioner, the actual work in releasing the issues and creating change is done directly from the Creator of all that is and not through the Practitioner at all."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is performed not by the practitioner, but by "the Creator of all" is misleading, because I worry that ordinary consumers might interpret it as a claim for efficacy.

7. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"THETA HEALING CAN HELP YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF YOUR LIFE... Health and Well Being: With Theta Healing you can scan the body and identify the location of a dis-ease. Then the root cause of the dis-ease is found through listening to the clients life and experiences."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healers "can scan the body and identify the location of a dis-ease" and find "the root cause of the dis-ease" can be substantiated.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=bg0qmPr64i
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=QQq83fF5Gp
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=EhI6Zeodby
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=dQFipXot4D

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ANNE-MARIE CARRATU

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing and its distant cousin, reiki, which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"On the physical side, using Theta Healing has prevented burns and sprained ankles from occurring, healed injured knees, improved hearing, facilitated people to walk again, and has been successfully used in working with degenerative and debilitating diseases such [as] Aids and Cancer."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing has been "successfully used in working with degenerative and debilitating diseases such [as] Aids and Cancer".

I'd also like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can treat burns, sprained ankles and injured knees, and improve hearing and mobility.

2. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"Theta Healing can also cure physical ailments instantly..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can "cure physical ailments instantly" can be substantiated.

3. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"Theta Healing was developed over a 10-year period by Vianna Stibal... During a session with a client, Vianna discovered that she could command and witness the instant healing of physical ailments. At the time, she had lymphatic cancer that was destroying her right femur. She had tried all the conventional methods and some alternative therapies as well. When she applied her new discovery to her cancer, her leg was healed instantly - it immediately returned to normal length, the swelling went down, and the cancer disappeared - instantaneously!"

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer "instantly" or "instantaneously" can be substantiated.

4. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"The Scientific Evidence - Curious to know why her technique was working, Vianna enlisted the help of a physicist... In addition, more and more books are now being published that confirm and validate that the Theta brainwave gives us access to both our subconscious mind AND allows us to tap into this level this higher level of consciousness."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing has been validated by science is misleading, because I understand there are no rigorous clinical trials available to support claims of efficacy.

5. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/Benefits_of_Reiki-246.htm

"Some Benefits of Reiki - Below is a list of some of the benefits of Reiki... Helps with depression... Strengthens and supports the immune system... Releases toxins... Helps to relieve pain... Relieves headaches including migraines... Relieves conditions such as arthritis and rheumatisim... Promotes healing for all acute illness or injury... Promotes healing for all chronic illness e.g. asthma/eczema... Helps with insomnia, thereby aiding better sleep... Reduces blood pressure... Reduces the need for alcohol and drugs... Helps with addictions... Raises the vibration within the body... Beneficial to all animals..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that reiki can treat clinical depression, migraines, arthritis, rheumatism, "all acute illness or injur[ies]", "all chronic illness", asthma, eczema, insomnia and addictions, and that reiki "reduces the need for alcohol and drugs", relieves pain, releases toxins, reduces blood pressure, improves the immune system and is "beneficial to all animals".

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=9a4Nx0lQNi
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=D5gUOWq7uV
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=jxU5QKBVJg

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

VANYA SILVERTON

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetalondon.com/about.html

"WHERE DOES THETA HEALING COME FROM? In 1995 Vianna Stibal a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Intuitive Reader discovered that the way she did Readings could help with instant healings. Vianna... was diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she used in Readings could heal and her leg was instantaneously healed... Later it was discovered that the technique utilized a Theta and Gamma wave to achieve an instant healing..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer "instantaneously".

2. http://www.thetalondon.com/about.html

"WHAT CAN THETA HEALING DO?... perform body scans to see what is going on with your body and why ailments are manifesting... Other areas can include: Addictions - Allergies - Anger Management - Anxiety - Bereavement - Commitment Phobia - Confidence - Depression - Drug Abuse - Emotional Issues - Fears - Guilt - Health Issues - Jealousy - Loneliness - Motivation - Negative Emotions and Thoughts - Obsessions - Panic Attacks - Personal Development - Phobias - Rejection - Self-Confidence - Sexual Issues - Shame - Shyness - Stage Fright - Stress - Trauma - Unhappiness - Worry."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healers can "perform body scans to see what is going on with your body and why ailments are manifesting" and that Theta Healing can treat addictions, allergies, depression, drug abuse, health issues, panic attacks and "sexual issues".

3. http://www.thetalondon.com/howdoesitwork.html

"By lowering the brain's frequency to include a theta brain wave, it becomes possible to select information recorded in the DNA... ThetaHealing™ is a technique that helps us to consciously choose which DNA should be 'switched on' and which should be 'switch off'. This means that we can actively reprogramme cellular information to release outdated information and in its place install or activate better instructions... ThetaHealing™ is such an easy technique, that children as young as six are using it with results!"

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healers can "select information recorded in the DNA", "consciously choose which DNA should be switched on and which should be switched off", "actively reprogramme cellular information" and "activate better instructions".

I'd also like to challenge whether the claim that "children are young as six" are using Theta Healing "with results" is misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=1iCI9ei8Jl
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=RhnrwqXMB7

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

Theta Healing Awareness Week (Part 2)

2011-06-11T16:17:00.010+01:00

(Image credit)

DAVID LOWE / WENDY LOWE

"The website makes a number of testimonial claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claims (that Theta Healing can cure diabetes and clinical depression, treat high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and panic attacks, and cause weight loss of 4lbs a week) are misleading.

I'd also like to challenge whether the advertisers' "intuitive body scans", apparently conducted over the phone, can reveal "physical problems".

1. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"In the last 3 weeks my whole life has turned around. Since you gave me those body scans I have realised what I have been doing to myself, my body... Blood tests show that my sugar levels have returned to normal so no more diabetes, Thank you. Nicola"

2. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"Thank you, Wendy and David. I've just got back from seeing the nurse for blood results. After years struggling with blood sugar levels, they are now back to normal. Loving myself as you taught me has got rid of the diabetes."

3. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"What did you do to me last week? Theta Healing? I feel great. No more grumpy moods and I've lost 4lbs! Mary W"

4. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"Wow, what did you do to me last week? I telephoned my psychiatrist and came off my antidepressants. I feel so good. Sue O."

5. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"No more panic attacks. I even went Christmas shopping in London. I feel great thanks to Theta Healing. Judith S"

6. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"... Oh been to the docs too, my blood pressure has gone from 145/98 to 113/79 - I thank you for the healing you gave me xx The doc is very pleased but a little confused at how come so quicky."

7. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/bodyscans.htm

"intuitive body scans... An intuitive body scan reveals how your mind is affecting your body. Although physical problems may be revealed, the scan mainly picks up on mental and emotional issues, for example, fears, feelings of being stuck or trapped, feelings of being burdened or being under attack."

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=I4Dbh70QVD
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=IK8vwBezVS
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=4Bjv0TDvwg

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

DAWN PAUL

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Theta-Healing.aspx

"Theta Healing was developed by a lady called Vianna Stibal in 1995... She had been diagnosed with cancer of her right leg and all conventional and alternative therapies had failed to bring about healing. Fortunately, she discovered that the “connection” technique she used for her readings altered her brain wave frequencies sufficiently for her to allow the Creator to work through her and heal her leg. She was cured instantly and went on to develop her techniques and teach them to others."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can "cure" cancer "instantly".

2. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Theta-Healing.aspx

"Theta Healing is simple and gentle and as with all of her work, theta healing can be done with Dawn Paul remotely over the telephone for those not based in the UK."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can be delievered "remotely over the phone" is misleading.

3. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Benefits.aspx

"Benefits of Shamanic Healing Techniques, Soul Retrieval and Theta Healing... Understand the root cause behind physical illness and heal it... Heal yourself, your ancestors and future generations... Enable the body to heal from physical injury or ailment... Remove and heal the need for dependencies... Prevent future illness/disease..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can help you "Understand the root cause behind physical illness and heal it", "heal yourself, your ancestors and future generations", "enable the body to heal from physical injury or ailment", "remove and heal the need for dependencies" and "prevent future illness/disease".

4. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Articles/Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome.aspx

"“I have suffered from severe IBS, social phobia, anxiety, panic attacks and fatigue to name but a few of my complaints. I had become housebound and had not lived my life for many years. Over the years I have tried various therapies, but none of them really helped or some of them only making me feel a little better temporarily (some even made me feel worse!). Feeling desperate I turned to Dawn for help. I found the Shamanic Healing and Soul Retrieval to be positive and fun. Healing work with Dawn was very encouraging and deeply effective. I always felt guided in the right healing path. Soon I started to feel something shifting within me. Healing was very gentle but definite and deep and on-going. Now I feel so much calmer, grounded and at peace. I have also had sleeping problems all my life but I sleep much better and deeper now. I feel positive, more relaxed and have more energy. My everyday IBS is gone (only minor hiccups occasionally, when work gets extremely stressful), and I am no longer scared of people. I can at last start to enjoy life again. Thank you so much for your help, Dawn!”"

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser's claim of a cure for IBS with her "Shamanic Healing and Soul Retrieval" therapy, which the customer describes as "deeply effective", is misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=6RCGyoebPA
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=NnkI5xnciq
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=axkF8UBjep

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

FIONA JANE

"The website makes a number of testimonial claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser's claims of a cure for astigmatism and chronic headaches (over 31 years) are misleading, because I understand that there's no clinical evidence available to support any of the claims made by proponents of Theta Healing.

1. http://www.scotlandthetahealing.co.uk/Testimonials.html

"before doing these courses I wore glasses every day for the last four years in order to see and correct an astigmatism. I now do not wear glasses at all."

2. http://www.scotlandthetahealing.co.uk/Testimonials.html

"Thankyou for your excellent support, i cannot believe how easy it has been to be pain free after 31 years of "daily headaches... many thanks Morag.xx"

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=z4TkjTuCQC
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=B9P6tZd1W8

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ALEXANDRA BROWN / THETA HEALING ACADEMY

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetahealingacademy.com/origins-of-theta-healing.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Intuitive Reader discovered that the way she did Readings could do an instant healing. Vianna, a mother of three young children was diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she used in Readings could heal. Her leg was instantaneously healed. She added this knowledge to her sessions with clients and in the classes she was teaching. Curious to understand why the technique was working, Vianna solicited the help of a physicist and with an electrocephalograph discovered that the simple technique tapped Theta waves."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer.

2. http://www.thetahealingacademy.com/origins-of-theta-healing.html

"Over many years of practicing the technique, Vianna believes the technique utilizes a Theta wave to achieve an instant healing. Through thousands of clients she discovered not only an amazing way to connect with the creative energy that moves in all things, but that this energy could change instantly Beliefs and Feelings that are linked to sickness."

I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Theta Healing can achieve an "instant healing" of "sickness".

3. http://www.thetahealingacademy.com/index.html

"Discover one of the most powerful energy healing techniques in the world! Theta healing® has been called an ‘attainable miracle for your life’..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is "one of the most powerful energy healing techniques in the world" is misleading, because I understand there's no clinical evidence supporting any of the claims proponents of Theta Healing tend to make.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=R285MQkeYa
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=WQPX7r29nz

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ANNA KITNEY / BOURGEON

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) and for a detox product which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/vianna-stibal.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal founded Theta Healing® when she received an instant healing from cancer through the 'Creator of All That Is'...
Vianna... was diagnosed with cancer that was destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Vianna... learnt that she could also witness physical healings... This technique utilises a Theta and Gamma wave achieving an instant healing. Through thousands of clients she discovered not only an amazing way to connect with the creative energy that moves in all things, but that this energy could instantly change beliefs and feelings that are linked to sickness... After she was healed from cancer..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that Theta Healing can cure cancer and achieve "an instant healing".

2. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/disease--disorder-.html

"Theta Healing® Disease & Disorder Training Course - The Disease & Disorders course was created as a result of Vianna's healing sessions over the years. Having worked with thousands of clients with various diseases and illnesses, she learned that diseases have their own personalities and related belief systems, and that people with similar belief systems sometimes attract these diseases. She also learned that her dislikes or fears of a disease often prevented her from being able to heal the disease in others."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that "diseases have their own personalities and related belief systems, and that people similar belief systems sometimes attract these diseases" and that "dislikes or fears of a disease often prevented [Stibal] from being able to heal the disease in others" are misleading.

3. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/vianna-stibal.html

"Theta Healing may help you with... Depression... Fertility... Health Issures... Insomnia... Weight Loss..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing "may help you with" depression, fertility, health issues, insomnia and weight loss can be substantiated.

4. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/segiun-detox-patches.html

"Benefits of the Segiun Detox Patches... The original, authentic and most safest detox patch in aiding removal of metalic toxins... Eliminates toxins..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Segiun Detox Patches are the "most safest [sic] detox patch in aiding removal of metalic [sic] toxins" can be substantiated.

5. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/testimonials.html

"Even friends and family have noticed the difference! I am a much calmer person now, have addressed issues and beliefs that have I have held for a long time ie weight - have lost almost 2 stone since the course in March and am still work in progress! My back problems are also improving thanks to Theta [Healing] - I am virtually off pain killers now, there have been other improvements as well and I continually work on myself."

I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claim that Theta Healing can cause considerable weight loss ("almost 2 stone since the course in March") and that Theta Healing can "virtually" eliminate chronic pain are misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=xWYzlhmj3k
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=hgR4f1867u
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=Xo0kxkvtsI
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=C53Esn37Ut
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=YyAfnCf458

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

Theta Healing Awareness Week (Part 1)

2011-06-11T15:44:00.020+01:00

(Image credit)

THETA HEALING UK / KRISTEN SCHMID

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/about-us/our-team

"Kristen witnessed incredible instant healings [sic] with the women in Africa that ranged from a crippled woman being able to walk without a walking stick after the healing, to a woman who was able to sleep on her side for the first time in four years after the pain of her ulcers was cleared from the healing."

I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that Theta Healing can cure a "crippled woman" and "clear" the "pain of ulcers".

2. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/theta-healing/how-can-i-benefit-from-theta-healing

"Other areas Theta Healing can help... Addictions... Allergies... Depression... Drug Abuse..."

I challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing "can help" with addictions, allergies, depression and drug abuse can be substantiated.

3. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/theta-healing/vianna-stibal

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal, a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Intuitive Reader, discovered that the way she did Readings could do an instant healing. Vianna, a mother of three young children, was diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she used in Readings could heal. Her leg was instantaneously healed. She added this healing knowledge to her sessions with clients and in the classes she was teaching."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer can be substantiated, whether it is misleading, whether it is irresponsible, and whether it might discourage essential treatment.

4. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/theta-healing/vianna-stibal

"Curious to understand why the technique was working, Vianna solicited the help of a physicist and with an electroencephalograph discovered that the simple technique tapped Theta waves. Over many years, it was discovered that the technique utilised a Theta and Gamma wave achieving an instant healing."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing has been validated by science is misleading, and whether it can be substantiated.

5. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/courses/disease-disorder

"This course teaches the healer how to recognize [sic] all energies as being equal and how to heal without believing that “a headache is easier to heal than cancer” (for example)."

I challenge whether the implied claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer as easily as it can cure a headache is misleading.

6. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/courses/dna-3

"The Course curriculum... Changing the Molecular Structure of Water... Telekinesis - Moving [an] Object...Healing any Illness"

I challenge whether the claims that this course can teach how to change "the Molecular Structure of Water", how to move objects through telekinesis [through the power of the mind alone] and how to heal any illness is misleading.

7. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/testimonials?phpMyAdmin=2b4c49778607t2bdac405

"In January 2010, a medical scan revealed a large fibroid in my womb. I was scheduled for surgery in March to remove it, and being a Theta Healing practitioner, I was determined to heal the fibroid rather than go through a major surgery. I was scheduled in for a follow-up scan in February to check the growth of the fibroid. Leading up to the scan I did extensive self-healing and also had a one-to-one session with Kris the week before my scan. I'm delighted to report that my scan was last week and it's all clear!! My doctor's words were "the fibroid is so small it's not showing up on the scan". My surgery has been canceled, everyone I know has been trying to wrap their heads around it, I am speechless!"

I challenge whether this testimonial claim of a cure for a condition requiring surgery is misleading and whether it might discourage essential treatment.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=5UctQbzfJk
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=Tq2Dzak6Zj
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=aKuHybD9IB
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=docmauBKLP
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=9WeFhnKchv
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=8mvyxr9YBG

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

JENNY JOHNSTONE

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetahealinguk.com/can_it_help_you.htm

"What problems can Theta Healing help with?

Theta healing can help with any type of problem."

2. http://www.thetahealinguk.com/can_it_help_you.htm

"Examples of problems that Theta Healing can help with are: Shyness, lack of confidence... Stress, anxiety, panic attacks... Self-esteem issues... Depression... Relationship problems... Physical problems... Eating disorders and body-image problems... Weight control... Sexual problems... Money problems... Fear of public speaking... Compulsive behaviours... Phobias... Allergies..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can "help with" depression, eating disorders, weight control, allergies or "any type of problem".

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=RARHunT9Jm

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ROSEMARY REBO

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.dnathetahealing.co.uk/site/pages/about-rosemary.php

"In 1996 in Idaho, USA I was privileged to meet an amazing lady who has since become a dear friend. Her name is Vianna Stibal... Vianna had been diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her right leg. The biopsy took it's [sic] toll and weeks of extreme discomfort followed... The doctors claimed that the best option to save her life was to amputate her leg. However, Vianna realised that as she could heal others, so she should heal herself... she commanded a healing on herself... As time passed her leg returned to normal and there was no sign of cancer."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=HAcUOGcML1

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

ROSEMARY REBO / ONHARLEYSTREET.CO.UK

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.onharleystreet.co.uk/theta-healing/

"Theta Healing is an amazing modality which is sweeping the Nation and the World. This is the most effective healing I have found."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser's suggestion that Theta Healing is "the most effective [form of] healing" is misleading.

2. http://www.onharleystreet.co.uk/theta-healing/

"Sometimes, Doctors and other health care professionals work with Client’s [sic] for a long time until they run out of ideas and resources to no avail. It has been discovered that the problem often lies within a belief that is stored within the sub-conscious mind that is preventing healing from taking place. This is where Theta Healing is useful and effective because, through this method, the belief can be discovered and changed."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is "useful and effective" for conditions usually treated by "Doctors...for a long time" can be substantiated.

I'd also like to challenge whether the claim that "Doctors...run out of ideas and resources" when treating serious illnesses, because these illnesses are caused by "a belief that is stored within the sub-conscious mind that is preventing healing from taking place", and that this fact has been "discovered", might discourage essential treatment; since it seems to be implying that Theta Healing is more effective than orthodox medicine.

3. http://www.onharleystreet.co.uk/theta-healing/

"Scientific studies have been found to suggest that the Mind, Body and Spirit are all interconnected. Theta Healing works by changing the cellular structure of the body to hold new thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Each time a negative feeling or emotion is released, it is replaced with a positive belief or emotion in order to balance the body to achieve an optimum result."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that "Theta Healing works by changing the cellular structure of the body" is misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=nVcCUq1Q31

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

THETA MIRACLES / JILL MILLER

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal... discovered that the way she did Readings was achieving instant healings [sic]. Vianna... was diagnosed with cancer... Everything she tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she tried a simple technique she used in Readings and her leg was instantaneously healed..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that Theta Healing can cure cancer "instantaneously". I'd like to challenge whether this claim is misleading, irresponsible, and could discourage essential treatment.

2. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"COMMANDING A HEALING Theta Healers do not do a ‘healing’ themselves... This can be healing a physical condition... the healer ‘commands’ the healing to take place. The healer then becomes the ‘observer’ to the healing happening. WITNESSING THE HEALING By observing the ‘healing’ taking place brings the ‘healing’ into reality..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can "[heal] a physical condition", the claim that practitioners "command... the healing to take place", the claim that the practitioner "becomes the observer to the healing happening" and the claim that the practitioner "by observing the healing taking place brings the healing into reality" are misleading.

3. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"Since Theta Healing was first discovered thousands of people have benefited from this healing system..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim is misleading, and whether it can be substantiated.

4. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"Theta Healing is the healing system of the 21st century. It takes healing to a new level... inherited conditions... can be healed..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims "Theta Healing is the healing system of the 21st century" and "It takes healing to a new level" are misleading, because I understand there's no clinical evidence available for Theta Healing.

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can heal "inherited conditions" can be substantiated.

5. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"It is now generally accepted that most physical health problems are related to a belief system that the mind holds... By identifying and changing these beliefs and feelings with Theta Healing the underlying cause of an illness/disease can be removed... Once these beliefs and emotions have been corrected with Theta Healing it is possible for the illnesses and diseases to heal, in some cases instantly."

I'd like to challenge whether "It is now generally accepted that most physical health problems are related to a belief system that the mind holds" is misleading, since I understand that most health problems are not caused by negative thoughts.

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing can "remove" the "underlying cause of an illness/disease" and that it is "possible for the illnesses and diseases to heal, in some cases instantly" can be substantiated, and whether they are misleading.

6. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/testimonials.php

"...I am amazed to say that my Osteoarthritis has lessened to such a degree that I have managed to cut back on my pain medication by between 50 to 60%..."

I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claim of an effective treatment for Osteoarthritis is misleading.

7. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/shop.php

"In 1995, Vianna Stibal... was diagnosed with a serious health condition. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed, until she employed a simple technique... Amazed that she had cured herself instantaneously..."

I'd like to challenge whether this claim exaggerates the accuracy and scientific validity of the book.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=u4YpOY01fE
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=RVe7M4aO8h
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=uZc1NZeoej
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=kzkRkY7qyN
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=I7x7yVzX0g

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

Elizabeth Francis and Friends

2011-06-02T21:07:00.007+01:00

A year ago the woo magazines were awash with adverts for psychics and tarot readers claiming to be "accurate".

Their numbers are thinner on the ground now, but there are still a few of them buzzing around like irritating little mosquitoes.

(Image credit)

Here are seven "accurate" psychics, starting with the serial offender pictured above, Elizabeth Francis.

ELIZABETH FRANCIS (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in Spirit and Destiny magazine (May 2011, p91).

The advert, for Elizabeth Francis, promotes a psychic telephone service.

1. "Elizabeth Francis - Psychic - Medium - Tarot - Accurate & No-nonsense..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Elizabeth Francis's psychic services are "accurate" is misleading.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

JILLIAN LANE (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in Spirit and Destiny magazine (May 2011, p88).

The advert, for Jillian Lane, promotes a psychic telephone service.

1. "Jillian Lane... President of accurate clairvoyants & psychics..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Jillian Lane is "accurate" is misleading.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

LIVELINES LTD (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in Soul and Spirit magazine (June 2011, p12).

The advert, for LiveLines Ltd, promotes a psychic telephone service.

1. "Finest Clairvoyants - Working with the Angels, my guides & loved ones to give clear & accurate in depth [sic] readings..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that the readings are "accurate" is misleading.

2. "Professional Tarot - The proof you will find is by having a full and detailed reading to see how astonishingly precise our readers really are..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that the readings are "astonishingly precise" is misleading.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

"MARIA" (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in Spirit and Destiny magazine (May 2011, p92).

The advert, for "Maria", promotes a psychic telephone service.

1. "Maria - Caring, Compassionate, Wise Woman - Natural Psychic... Speak to Maria for Sincere, Personal and Very Accurate Readings..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that "Maria"'s psychic readings are "very accurate" is misleading.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

RJ MEDIA (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in Soul and Spirit magazine (June 2011, p86).

The advert, for RJ Media, promotes a psychic telephone service.

1. "Psychic Tarot NEW SERVICE... Genuine Accurate Readings..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that the readings are "accurate" is misleading.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

"TRUTH FAIRY" (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in Spirit and Destiny magazine (May 2011, p88).

The advert, for www.truth-fairy.com, promotes a psychic telephone service.

1. "Really shocking! Everything she said was very accurate to the point that I couldn't believe it..."

I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claim that the service is "very accurate" is misleading.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

PSYCHIC LIGHT (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in Kindred Spirit magazine (Issue 110, May/June 2011, p83).

The advert, for Psychic Light, promotes a psychic telephone service.

1. "Psychic Light - 'KNOW YOUR FUTURE - UNDERSTAND YOUR PAST' - Accurate readings with genuine and gifted psychics..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that the advertiser's psychics can provide "Accurate readings" is misleading.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

The Circle of Raphael (part 2)

2011-06-02T20:12:00.006+01:00

Following a recent ASA adjudication, the shameless Circle of Raphael - a company operating out of a PO Box in Cornwall - have continued to sell their Talisman of the Seven Angels.

(Image credit)

Publicity about the adverse ruling travelled as far as the Daily Torygraph, so it's quite surprising to see the same advertisers back using the same old false claims.

The useless trinket is now claimed to bring "Good fortune in games of chance" - another clear breach of the advertising regulations, if you want my opinion - so it's back to the ASA with another complaint.

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in Spirit and Destiny magazine (May 2011, p87).

The advert, for the Circle of Raphael, promotes a product, the "Talisman of the Seven Angels", upon which the ASA Council have recently adjudicated.

1. "To fulfil their own spiritual destiny, Angels need to give of themselves and assist anyone who requests their help. However, they first need you to personally invite them into your life so they can fulfil their divine purpose. The most direct and successful way of inviting Angels into your life is to simply wear or carry this holy Angelic pendant... Zadkiel - Good fortune in games of chance..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that the Talisman is the "most direct and successful way of inviting Angels into your life" in order to experience "Good fortune in games of chance" is misleading.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

Nexus Magazine's Misleading Health Claims

2011-06-02T17:47:00.010+01:00

That crazy Nexus Magazine - a journal of conspiracy theories, pseudoscience and possibly fictional accounts of alien kidnappings - is genuinely one of my favourite publications.

(Image credit)

Many of the articles they publish are dangerously misinformed. You'll hear no complaints from me - freedom of expression, and all that.

However, the magazine has a profitable sideline in the form of a mail-order service. The service sells a range of books, films and info packs likely to appeal to the rag's credulous readers.

A handful of the books are sold using false and misleading health claims, a practice which simply has to stop. Regular readers will recognise this bullshit synopsis of a book by vaccine denialist Wendy Lydall.

"Since its inception in 1795 by Edward Jenner, vaccination has been an unscientific, commercially-based procedure..."

Worse still are these claims of a cure for cancer, breast cancer multiple sclerosis.

"ESSIAC FOR CANCER... Includes reprints of articles describing the properties of ESSIAC (a Canadian Indian remedy for cancer) with details on how to make the recipe..."

"WHAT REALLY CAUSES MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS by Harold D. Foster... The causes of MS are generally known. The prevention and treatment of MS is not. This well referenced [sic] book presents new conclusions about this baffling condition: how diet is implicated, what deficiencies contribute to it and the treatment to reverse it"

"IODINE - Why you need it - Why you can't live without it... See how iodine can help: breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, detoxification... Grave's disease and Hashimoto's disease... Find out why iodine deficiency may be the root cause of thyroid problems including...thyroid cancer... "

It's a breach of the advertising regulations to exaggerate the scientific validity of a book. Here are four ASA complaints detailing what I suspect are Nexus Magazine's numerous breaches of the CAP Code.

WENDY LYDALL (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p81).

The advert promotes the book "RAISING A VACCINE FREE CHILD" by Wendy Lydall, which is available through the magazine's own mail-order service.

1. "Vaccination is presented to parents as a safe, scientific procedure, which no responsible parent would query. But an increasing number of parents are questioning the validity of this 200 year old ritual. The vaccine industry has responded to this skepticism [sic] by introducing coercive measures in many countries in order to achieve compliance. Since its inception in 1795 by Edward Jenner, vaccination has been an unscientific, commercially-based procedure, which is aligned with powerful pharmaceutical interests... In this book Wendy Lydall presents a comprehensive, scientifically-base guide to the myths, facts, problems and solutions associated with raising a vaccine free child."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim "The vaccine industry has responded to this skepticism [sic] by introducing coercive measures in many countries in order to achieve compliance" is misleading and whether it can be substantiated.

I'd also like to challenge whether the claims "Since its inception in 1795 by Edward Jenner, vaccination has been an unscientific... procedure" and "In this book, Wendy Lydall presents a comprehensive, scientifically-based guide to the myths, facts, problems and solutions associated with raising a vaccine free child" exaggerate the scientific accuracy of the book.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."

DAVID BROWNSTEIN M.D. (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p66).

The advert promotes a book available through the magazine's own mail-order service.

1. "IODINE - Why you need it - Why you can't live without it... See how iodine can help: breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, detoxification... Grave's disease and Hashimoto's disease... Find out why iodine deficiency may be the root cause of thyroid problems including...thyroid cancer... 'I have yet to see any item that is more important to [sic] promoting health or optimizing the function of the immune system than iodine' - the author"

I'd like to challenge whether the claims of treatment for various cancers and other named diseases exaggerate the accuray of the book.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

HAROLD D FOSTER (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p82).

The advert promotes a book available through the magazine's own mail-order service.

1. "WHAT REALLY CAUSES MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS by Harold D. Foster... The causes of MS are generally known. The prevention and treatment of MS is not. This well referenced [sic] book presents new conclusions about this baffling condition: how diet is implicated, what deficiencies contribute to it and the treatment to reverse it"

I'd like to challenge whether the claim "the treatment to reverse [Multiple Sclerosis]" exaggerates the scientific accuracy of the book.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."

RENE CAISEE (advert available here)

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p84).

The advert promotes an "INFOPACK" available through the magazine's own mail-order service.

1. "ESSIAC FOR CANCER - Numerous articles, newspaper clippings and letters on the work and developments of Rene Caisee R.N. Includes reprints of articles describing the properties of ESSIAC (a Canadian Indian remedy for cancer) with details on how to make the recipe..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that the book contains "details on how to make the recipe" for a "Canadian Indian remedy for cancer" exaggerates the scientific accuracy of the book.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."

Homeopathic Hair Analysis

2011-06-02T16:26:00.006+01:00

My favourite adverts are those that take two unrelated delusions and tie them together in a brilliantly creative way.

Such an advert (available here) appeared in the the April edition of Nexus Magazine. The advertiser is anonymous, so here's another gratuitous photo of a different kind of hare.

(Image credit)

The advert promotes a hair analysis service. Send them your locks, and they'll find the correct homoeopathic remedy for you.

"PERSONALISED HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES by hair analysis £60.00. Clinic visit not required. Second and subsequent analysis every 2 months £30.00 per analysis and remedies. Please call 00845 862 178 for protocol"

ASA complaint follows!

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p76).

The advert promotes a hair analysis service.

1. "PERSONALISED HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES by hair analysis £60.00. Clinic visit not required. Second and subsequent analysis every 2 months £30.00 per analysis and remedies. Please call 00845 862 178 for protocol"

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate their claim to provide the correct homoeopathic remedy by using hair analysis.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."

Get Rich With Jesus!

2011-06-02T16:12:00.009+01:00

Here's another splendid advert from Finbarr International, Kent's nuttiest mail-order bookseller.

(Image credit - does not depict the advertiser)

Regular readers will be familiar with Finbarr, who last year inspired one of my favourite complaints. It concerned an advert which promised to show you how to make a person become your willing love slave.

Finbarr's current advert (available here) is more restrained, but not by much. The ad promotes two books.

"The Hand of God... Author E. Raphael received secret from mystic teacher and claims it transformed his fortunes...Author claims it brings him money when needed..."

"THE ORIGINAL PRAYER OF JESUS THE CHRIST... A woman carries the prayer on her & experiences incredible changes in her life... man loses all in stock market, only to regain it..."

My Christian education was fragmentary, but I'm almost sure I can remember something about that Jesus chap being against this kind of thing.

On behalf of God's only son - who is presumably busy with more important stuff - ASA complaint follows!

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p65).

The advert, for Finbarr, promotes three books which are apparently "based on proven personal experiences".

1. "The Hand of God... Author E. Raphael received secret from mystic teacher and claims it transformed his fortunes...Author claims it brings him money when needed..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that the "secret" can "[bring] money when needed" exaggerates the accuracy of the book.

2. "THE ORIGINAL PRAYER OF JESUS THE CHRIST... A woman carries the prayer on her & experiences incredible changes in her life... man loses all in stock market, only to regain it..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that the "ORIGINAL PRAYER OF JESUS THE CHRIST" can be used to make money on the stock market exaggerates the accuracy of the book.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

James F. Coyle's Roulette-Beating Brain

2011-06-02T16:05:00.006+01:00

Beyond Belief, the new book by James F. Coyle, is described as "The Ultimate Mind-Power Manual".

(Image credit)

Casual browsers expecting a book about speed reading, memory techniques or mind mapping are going to be disappointed.

"If you were told that you could use your mind to influence a slot machine or dice fall... would you find this beyond belief?... Use [a] dream technique to solve medical problems... Determine luck cycle in advance for financial windfalls..."

Financial windfalls, you say? Tell me more!

"Would you find it somewhat amazing if you learnt that while in the alpha/theta state you can communicate quite easily with dolphins? ...And if you discovered that you can use this same dream control to solve your personal medical problems would this make life easier? ...But even better still, what if you were informed that you could use an easy-to-learn mental trigger that will tell you which slot machine to play, which scratch-it ticket to buy, which colour to bet on at roulette and which likely numbers to enter in the lotto... with a possible 70-80% chance of being correct? Well, you may be somewhat stunned to learn that all of this is now possible..."

Alas, I don't have the address of the Vanuatu Advertising Standards Authority to hand.

Instead, I'll just pass his advert in the UK edition of Nexus Magazine (available here) to the British ASA.

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p62).

The advert, for James F. Coyle, promotes the book "Beyond Belief".

1. "Beyond Belief by James F. Coyle - THE ULTIMATE MIND-POWER MANUAL - If you were told that you could use your mind to influence a slot machine or dice fall... would you find this beyond belief?... Use [a] dream technique to solve medical problems... Determine luck cycle in advance for financial windfalls..."

2. "Would you find it somewhat amazing if you learnt that while in the alpha/theta state you can communicate quite easily with dolphins? ...And if you discovered that you can use this same dream control to solve your personal medical problems would this make life easier? ...But even better still, what if you were informed that you could use an easy-to-learn mental trigger that will tell you which slot machine to play, which scratch-it ticket to buy, which colour to bet on at roulette and which likely numbers to enter in the lotto... with a possible 70-80% chance of being correct? Well, you may be somewhat stunned to learn that all of this is now possible..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim of predicting the outcomes of slot machines, scratch cards, games of roulette and lotteries, the claim of communicating with dolphins, the claim of using dreams to "solve medical problems" and the claim of achieving "financial windfalls" exaggerate the accuracy of the book.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

Diane Tessman's Alien Overlords

2011-06-02T15:23:00.010+01:00

American Diane Tessman, "internationally respected as an amazingly accurate prophet", uses her gift of precognition to predict natural and man-made disasters.

...or does she?

(Image credit)

Diane's advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (available here) had me chuckling in amusment.

"RECEIVE FREE CHANGE TIMES QUARTERLY! Receive via priority international post, the current issue of the most accurate predictions of crises and catastrophes... CTQ has been advising readers for 30 years of disasters before they happen, whether they are financial, natural, or man-made environmental disasters. Diane Tessman is internationally respected as an amazingly accurate prophet of all that is unfolding, having warned about many specific crises since 1983..."

After a visit to her website I found that her "amazingly accurate" past predictions were not so impressive.

"...The breaking up of the Larsen Ice Shelf in recent years, was predicted by me in 1984... The downward spiral of the U.S. and global economies... I predicted 3 months ago (December, 2010) that U.S. nuclear plants would have to close due to leaks or problems, 1 week later, 2 U.S. nuclear plants closed temporarily due to leaks and problems... I [predicted] the [New Zealand] 7.0 quake which... almost leveled the city of Christchurch..."

Diane's future predictions for 2012 are a little more interesting. Many of them are obvious to anyone with a GCSE in geography, but predictions nine and ten are very exciting indeed.

1. Fracking [horizontal drilling for gas] will cause a terrible shortage of pure, clean water...

2. MRSA and CRKP infections will spread like wildfire, turning what is already a global health threat, into a real global panic...

3. Contamination through radioactivity and the rapidly dwindling fish populations across the planet, will make many kinds of fish such as cod, which we take for granted as always there for us, very rare and almost impossible to find...

4. The Pacific Ring of Fire will continue to go through a violently active period when both earthquakes and volcanoes continue to cause enormous and frequent catastrophes which in the past, had been rare events...

5. The Arctic Ocean will soon be open water all winter long...

6. There will be more nuclear accidents and/or serious damage to nuclear installations due to huge catastrophes...

7. The powers-that-be on Earth will continue trying to control the population of humans through disinformation and misinformation...

8. In the near future, more humans will break from the control mechanism of mass consumerism and gluttonous materialism, finally perceiving that this is the road to doomsday. This revolution will occur partially because of desperation over growing levels of radioactivity...

9. There will be intentional Internet leaks of top secret government documents which prove conclusively that extraterrestrials and other-dimensionals have been flying in Earth skies and landing on Earth soil, for many years now...

10. Landings by UFO occupants will happen very soon. Friendship will be extended...

While we're waiting for the arrival of our new alien overlords, here's a little ASA complaint.

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p17).

The advert, for Diane Tessman, promotes the magazine "Change Times Quarterly".

1. "RECEIVE FREE CHANGE TIMES QUARTERLY! Receive via priority international post, the current issue of the most accurate predictions of crises and catastrophes... CTQ has been advising readers for 30 years of disasters before they happen, whether they are financial, natural, or man-made environmental disasters. Diane Tessman is internationally respected as an amazingly accurate prophet of all that is unfolding, having warned about many specific crises since 1983..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that she can predict "financial, natural or man-made disasters" "before they happen" "amazingly accurately".

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."

Chintan Nanavati's Innerlight Healing

2011-06-02T15:13:00.009+01:00

.
Chintan Nanavati is an "Energy Healing Therapist", a "genuine psychic, clairvoyant, clairaudient and clairsentient medium" who also provides "Tarot Readings, Tarot Magic, Candle Magic" and "spellcasting".

With such a wide portfolio of talents, he must be earning a good income. I wonder why, then, his adverts are only the size of a business card?

(Image credit - scan of handout)

Of all the claims on Chintan's handout (available here and here), it's the healing service that causes me concern.

"HEALING THE WHOLE OF YOU - InnerLight Healing is a powerful, non-invasive therapy without side-effects... The healing can be effective in helping to manage a variety of conditions including: arthritis/various types of chronic pain including sports injuries, depression... insomnia... terminal illness and many more."

Arthritis, depression and terminal illness, eh? ASA complaint follows!

"I'm writing to complain about a handout for Chintan Nanavati, which I picked up from a stall at the 'Mind Body Spirit' exhibition in London on 26th May.

The handout promotes the advertiser's "InnerLight healing" therapy, and contains some health claims which I suspect are misleading.

1. "HEALING THE WHOLE OF YOU - InnerLight Healing is a powerful, non-invasive therapy without side-effects... The healing can be effective in helping to manage a variety of conditions including: arthritis/various types of chronic pain including sports injuries, depression... insomnia... terminal illness and many more."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate his claim that the InnerLight Healing therapy is "effective" in managing arthritis, chronic pain, sports injuries, depression and insomnia.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."

Tony Mackenzie's Anti-Ageing Secret

2011-06-02T09:28:00.008+01:00

This is a sad tale of a profoundly delusional man named Tony Mackenzie.

(Image credit)

Tony is approaching the end of his life, but he thinks he's hit on a way to extend it forever and he's willing to share the secret with you.

The price? £4,999.

(Image credit)

Tony's advert (available here) explains all.

"I found out something interesting, valid and beneficial information through some years of study and I want to share that information. If you don't study the content and research behind the information you won't be able to judge it fairly..."

I've studied the "content and research behind the information" on your behalf, so let's cut to the important bit. Tony is selling an anti-ageing therapy that makes use of fragments of DNA called Telomeres.

"I for one will be taking part in my own protocl when it starts soon and will be taking the expensive and rare molecule that I am importing at a very high purity level and which is the mainstay of the protocol supported by the other cellular enhancing supplements that are also now at the cutting edge of the new anti-aging science being pursued by leading scientists...

If I can prove for myself that the telomerase activation theory is valid using the rare Asian molecule telomerase activator we have sourced - as many others in the USA and numerous scientific papers have already demonstrated - then the anti-aging benefit will be worth more to me than making lots of money or in trying to establish what some people seem to think is either a dangerous or crackpot theory...

The protocol will be available to clients worldwide who are willing to pay the fee and can get a medical practitioner to give consent for the client to take part in the "trial". (P.S. It's not a "free" trial!)..."

In other words, Tony expects you to fund his worthless clinical trial. ASA complaint follows; I've also notified Trading Standards and the MHRA.

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p18).

The advert, for Tony Mackenzie / The Mackenzie Protocol PLC, promotes an anti-aging product.

The product is an "expensive and rare molecule" which is "imported at a very high purity level". The product is offered by means of a [clinical] "trial". Participants must pay a fee of £4,999 to take part in the "trial".

1. "The protocol will be available to clients worldwide who are willing to pay the fee and can get a medical practitioner to give consent for the client to take part in the "trial". (P.S. It's not a "free" trial!)"

I'd like to challenge whether the use of the word "trial" in the context of the advert is misleading, since I suspect that few scientific journals would consider publishing clinical research funded by the participants themselves.

2. "Some of my [product] has already 'in my opinion' helped me to manage my diabetes type 2 when I first discovered transdermal magnesium therapy and resveratrol before most people had even heard of this amazing product."

Despite the "in my opinion" disclaimer, I'd like to challenge whether this claim of a treatment for a named serious disease is misleading, and whether it could discourage essential treatment.

3. "If I can prove for myself that the telomerase activation theory is valid using the rare Asian molecule telomerase activator we have sourced - as many others in the USA and numerous scientific papers have already demonstrated - then the anti-aging benefit will be worth more to me that making lots of money or in trying to establish what some people seem to think is either a dangerous or crackpot theory. (As I said, it's not my theory, I'm just the messenger.)"

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate his claim that the "anti-aging benefit" of the product has been "demonstrated" by "numerous scientific papers".

4. "I find it very frustrating that people don't believe that their doctors - working on information and methods that are decades old - could possibly be unaware of valuable information regarding major illnesses and diseases that are now at epidemic proportions in the western world. The methods being used to try to overcome many of these diseases (usually unsuccessfully in the long term) are still mainly outdated and are based on a slash and burn mentality..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser's claim of a widespread medical conspiracy to ignore "valuable information regarding major illnesses and diseases that are now at epidemic proportions in the western world" in favour of "information and methods that are decades old" is misleading.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."

Anne Devereaux's Optimum Detox

2011-06-02T09:20:00.007+01:00

Readers worried about how many toxins they've ingested since January 1st might consider the free DVD offered by Anne Devereaux. (See her advert here.)

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"THE NEW YEAR & IT'S DETOX TIME! ...OPTIMUM-D-TOX... Simple, Easy and Profoundly Effective... Product is totally natural and simple to take (liquid format) and fit for your lifestyle. Safe for chronic fatigue types, low energy or weakness... This product is popular. Tel 01892 683439 today..."

ASA complaint follows!

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p17).

The advert, for www.optimum-detox.co.uk, promotes a "DETOX" programme and a DVD.

1. "THE NEW YEAR & IT'S DETOX TIME! ... OPTIMUM-D-TOX... Simple, Easy and Profoundly Effective..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that the product is "Profoundly Effective", since I understand that no clinical research has ever been able to identify the toxins that similar "detox" programmes claim to eliminate.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."

Nick Franks' Accurate Synthesis Machine

2011-06-02T09:06:00.007+01:00

"Advanced Radionics Instruments of the Highest Quality" are now available from Nick Franks of NF Consultancy Services.

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For the uninitiated, Nick's website offers this simple introduction to Radionics.

"The LRI (Large Radionic Instrument) is designed to provide the user with an enhanced, dynamic and developable [sic] linkage with the Universal Mind Field or Universal PSI-Information Filed, however it may be termed or conceptualized [sic]. This linkage is intended to enabled a level of access and accuracy not generally or previously attainable by the dowser working alone, regardless of degree of mental development and intuitional [sic] attument... The LRI is designed to assist the user not only in analysis of the patient's subtle energy fields but also with treatments."

In other words, it's a quack medicine machine. What kind of medicines can it create? Nick's advert (available here) explains:

"...ACCURATE SYNTHESIS AND COPYING OF HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES, NOSODES, GEMS, CRYSTALS AND OTHER PREPARATIONS...WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS FOR RADIONICS PRACTITIONERS, HOMOEOPATHS, DOWSERS, HERBALISTS, NATUROPATHS AND PROFESSIONAL REMEDY MANUFACTURERS..."

And all this, despite the fact that the machine is

"...MAGNETISM AND ELECTRICITY FREE..."

ASA complaint follows!

"I'm writing to complain about an advert in the UK edition of Nexus magazine (Apr-May 2011, p3).

The advert, for NF Consultancy Services, promotes a range of "Advanced Radionic Instruments".

1. "ADVANCED RADIONIC INSTRUMENTS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY... ACCURATE SYNTHESIS AND COPYING OF HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES, NOSODES, GEMS, CRYSTALS AND OTHER PREPARATIONS..."

Since the devices are apparently "MAGNETISM AND ELECTRICITY FREE", I'd like to challenge whether the claim that they can perform an "accurate synthesis and copying of homeopathic remedies" is misleading, and whether it can be substantiated.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."